You’ll need a sinker or a weighted jighead to get a buoyant lure like a plastic worm or tube bait to the bottom and keep it there. Here’s a roundup of the various weights BASS pros use to get their lures into the strike zone.
What size weights do I need for bass fishing?
A 1/8-ounce weight is a solid choice for producing a slow-falling lure in skinny water (5 feet or less). When fishing in about 20 feet of water 1/4-, 5/16-, and 3/8-ounce options excel. This choice should be made based on the precise depth and fish location in the water column.
Do you use weights when fishing with lures?
Do I need to use a weight? If you are casting bait, yes. However, lures use crank baits, so you do not have to use a weight because of the lip on the mouth which causes the bait to dive when you are reeling back in.
Do I need weights on my fishing line?
Not always, but they are generally required for bait fishing. Although a heavier sinker can aid in casting distance, for the majority of fishing applications, you will want to choose a lighter sinker than a heavier sinker.That sinker on your fishing line is much more important than you realize.
How deep should you fish for bass?
While productive depths during the early summer are dependent on the lake, I like 6 to 12 feet of water. During the height of summer, bass may move as deep as 15 or 20 feet, especially in clear water. Fishing crankbaits along weed edges is a proven summertime tactic for big largemouths.
What’s the best bait for bass?
Shad, minnows, or shiners are some of the best live baits for bass, hands down. Baitfish come in different sizes and can be used in all types of bass waters, but they are incredibly productive in deeper water to target huge bass.
Is 10 pound line good for bass fishing?
For most spinning rods, the maximum strength should be no more than 8- to 10 -pound test. Going heavier than that, Teschler said, will result in shorter casts and less line on your reel. Put the heavier test monofilament line on your bait-casting rod, he said.
Does lure weight include sinker?
Remember that when the manufacturer says lure weight, they really mean the total weight of whatever it is you’re throwing with the rod. If a rod is rated 1-4oz, for example, you really don’t want to use bigger than a 3oz sinker if you’re casting a big fish head out along with it.
How heavy should my weight be fishing?
In general, you should use a lighter weight sinker in shallower water, and deeper water requires heavier weight. For shallow water, a ⅛-ounce weight works well to create a slow-falling lure action. In deeper water that is up to 20 feet, it’s best to use between ¼ to ⅜-ounce sinker weights.
Is it better to fish with bait or lures?
Many species of fish are much less responsive to lures than they are to bait. Lure fishing generally demands better-quality tackle and a higher degree of skill than bait fishing. Lure collecting can become at least as addictive (and expensive) as lure fishing!
Do you put a weight on a crankbait?
As the water temps bottom out, try weighting your wintertime crankbaits to maximize their effectiveness. A little extra weight will kelp you throw them farther, get them deeper and keep them there longer.
How far should the weight be from the hook?
Depending on the depth, the distance from the hook to the weight needs to be adjusted. For shallower water, it is recommended to place your hook three to six inches above the weight. For deeper water, the hook can be adjusted to nine inches from the weight to no more than a foot and a half because of the leverage.
How do you put a hook and weight on a fishing line?
Tie a hook on the end of your fishing line with one of your fishing knots. Pinch one or two small split shot sinkers to your main line about 6-12 inches from the hook to add a bit of weight to your line (this will keep your bait suspended vertically). If there is current, you can add one or two more split shots.
What month is best for bass fishing?
When it comes to catching bass, every season has its opportunities and challenges. Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but spring and fall usually present the best action.
How do you attract bass?
Bass Fishing Tips: How to Catch Bass
- Save Shredded Worms. When your plastic worms get torn up, save ’em.
- Red Fools the Fish.
- Skip Your Bait.
- Keep Your Hooks Sharp.
- Look at Your Livewell Water.
- Face the Wind.
- Fish Shallow in the Spring.
- Make Your Bait Seasonal.
What time of day are bass most active?
Most times of the year, bass fishing is best around dawn and dusk. Focus on the hours of dawn until around 8 am and 5:30 pm until dusk in the late spring, summer, and fall. During the late fall, winter, and early spring focus fishing efforts around midday for bass.
What lure catches the most bass?
Jig
1. Jig. Skirted jigs are the undisputed champ of the “year-round bait” category. They catch bass in 40 degree water and 90 degree water, in grass, rocks, wood, and open water.
What size hooks for bass fishing?
Bass fishing hook sizes range between 1, 1/0 and 2/0. The smaller size is perfect for worms around 6 inches, while the larger is better for 8-inch worms or 6-inch lizards. Using those baits, your bass fishing hook sizes will also hold a fish capable of eating the bait.
What is 50Lb braid good for?
If you are targeting large snappers such as red snapper or mutton snapper, you may want to use 30-50Lb braid. If you are fishing for smaller snapper such as mangroves or yellowtail snapper 20Lb braid is excellent.
What color line is best for bass fishing?
Studies have established that bass color vision is strongest in medium to light reds, red-orange and yellow-greens. As for blues and purples it’s quite weak. When fishing, remember, the deeper the water or less clear the water, the less light and color there will be.
Can you put 20Lb braid on a baitcaster?
Thin diameter line is great for spinning reels, but if you’re using baitcasting reels, you don’t want to use anything under 20 lb. braid. If the line is really thin, it’ll dig into the spool if you have a big fish on or get snagged, which can cause knots and tangles.
Contents